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Park-based physical activity among children and adolescents
Myron F Floyd1, Jason N Bocarro, William R Smith
1Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC 27695-8004, USA. mffloyd@ncsu.edu
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Park design and social factors influence children's physical activity. Features like courts and active peers boost activity, while girls and younger children may need more encouragement for park engagement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Environmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Park availability correlates with increased physical activity in youth.
- However, research on actual park usage and associated physical activity levels in children and adolescents is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between individual, park, and neighborhood environmental factors and park-based physical activity in children and adolescents.
- To identify specific park features and social dynamics that encourage physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to measure physical activity in 2712 children across 20 randomly selected parks in Durham, NC.
- Employed hierarchical regression analysis to examine associations between environmental characteristics and park-based physical activity.
- Data collection occurred in 2007, with analysis completed in 2010.
Main Results:
- Park environmental features, such as courts and the presence of other active children, were significantly associated with higher physical activity levels.
- Conversely, neighborhood characteristics showed no significant association with park-based activity.
- Factors negatively associated with physical activity included being female, the presence of a parent or non-parental adult, and specific age-play interactions.
Conclusions:
- Social factors and park design elements are critical for promoting higher levels of physical activity among children and adolescents in park settings.
- Recommendations include optimizing park features and social environments to encourage active play and reduce sedentary behavior.
